Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, has unveiled a comprehensive plan to expedite infrastructure development. The ministry is set to bid out projects ranging from Rs 1.5 lakh crore to Rs 2 lakh crore on the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model for highway projects under 1000 km before the model code of conduct takes effect, aligning with the likely general elections in April-May 2024.
In an effort to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance tolling accuracy, the ministry is embracing new technologies, particularly a GPS-based toll collection system. Nitin Gadkari affirms that the government aims to implement this innovative tolling solution across the country by March next year, providing a more seamless and precise tolling experience for motorists.
Gadkari emphasises the positive impact of FASTags, reducing the average waiting time at toll plazas from eight minutes in 2018-19 to a mere 47 seconds with the introduction of FASTags during 2020-21 and 2021-22.
Additionally, the ministry has conducted two pilot projects for automatic toll collection using automatic number plate recognition systems, showcasing a commitment to modernising the toll collection infrastructure.
